Fish with Ich. Any thoughts on Malachite Green?

[MrSpiffy]

The LFS recommended I use a treatment which is basically entirely malachite green. I'm wondering if anyone has had experience using this treatment for ich, what success they have had, and other treatment recommendations. I've already researched copper treatments, and the LFS recommended MG as it's less harsh than copper. But will it be effective?

 

[Rondelet]

It can be used and should be effective at killing tomites as they emerge, but will stain everything green in your tank. Generally, however, it's not the treatment of choice for Crytocaryon. Copper is very effective, but as I'm sure you've read, must be used with caution as it has a low therapeutic margin. The other option is hyposalinity, with lots of info on the site about it. In any event, you should aim to move the fish to a treatment tank if possible and treat them there; and then allow you main display to remain fishless for a minimum of six weeks.

 

[MrSpiffy]

I had planned on using the Malachite Green treatment in conjunction with the hyposalinity treatment, as I'm sure a multi-pronged attack would work best. I'm sure the fish can tolerate one or the other, but is it okay to do both at the same time?

I'm not too worried about staining things green, as it'll be in a quarantine tank. Green is no big deal for a QT.

 

[BTTRFLYGRL]

I wouldn't bother with the Malachite green...its okay for freshwater but doesn't have much effect on any marine parasites..Hypo is all you need, besides maybe having to use antibiotics for secondary infections

 

[MrSpiffy]

Thanks! I'll give hypo a try.

 

[Early Kyler]

<a href=showthread.php?s=&postid=7566478#post7566478 target=_blank>Originally posted</a> by BTTRFLYGRL
I wouldn't bother with the Malachite green...its okay for freshwater but doesn't have much effect on any marine parasites..Hypo is all you need, besides maybe having to use antibiotics for secondary infections

Spot on, BTTRFLYGRL. While MG can be effective for freshwater infestations excepting tetras, catfish and loaches, all it does in a marine environment is stain your seals. Or your hands, if you are not careful